JP2012011769A - Printing apparatus, method for controlling the same, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To output a high-quality printed matter without wasting by preventing smeared paper, an image defect and wasting paper or printing materials due to jamming after recovery processing of the printer which is relatively highly likely to cause a print failure.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus control unit 203 interrupts print processing (S702) when it is determined that a predetermined factor has occurred (Yes in S701). When the print processing is restarted, the image forming apparatus control unit controls a printing unit to perform print processing on a specific number of sheets and then, to start print processing on sheets following the specific number of sheets after determining that the result of inspection for the specific number of sheets does not indicate a print failure (S703 to S707).

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing apparatus, a printing apparatus control method, and a program.

  In the POD industry, it is necessary to inspect the quality of printed products, and in the past, inspectors inspected products visually, but in recent years, automatic inspection that can be automatically inspected. Devices have also been developed.

  In the case of a jam or the like, for example, a fine piece of paper may remain in the apparatus, and there is an increased possibility that a jam will occur again as compared with the normal time. For this reason, if continuous printing is started immediately after recovery, a large amount of paper in the transport path may be wasted if it is NG again.

Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for preventing the occurrence of continuous jamming due to a plurality of sheets during re-operation after such paper jam recovery.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-268531 detects the completion of image formation by confirming the discharge of a sheet by a sensor at the time of re-operation after paper jam recovery, and detects the completion of the first image formation after detecting the completion of the first image formation. A printing apparatus that starts an image forming operation is described.

JP 2002-287446 A

In a normal printing apparatus, immediately after recovery such as a jam, paper stains due to scattering of a developer such as toner and other image defects are likely to occur.
However, the technique of Patent Document 1 cannot avoid the occurrence of paper stains and image defects after recovery as described above, and the printed matter printed by the second and subsequent image forming operations after the recovery is paper stains. In addition, there is a possibility that a large amount of inspection NG occurs due to image defects and is wasted.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above problems. The object of the present invention is that the possibility of printing defects is relatively high. Even immediately after the printing apparatus performs a recovery operation, the paper or printing agent is wasted due to paper stains, image defects, jams, etc. Is to provide a mechanism for outputting high-quality printed materials without waste.

  The present invention provides a printing means for executing a printing process on a sheet based on the first image data, and a second image data generated by reading the sheet on which the printing process has been executed. An acquisition unit that acquires a result of an inspection process for inspecting whether or not there is a printing defect in the printing process, and when the printing process is resumed after the printing process is interrupted, a specific number of sheets are stored in the printing unit. After confirming that the result of the inspection process for the specific number of sheets does not indicate a printing failure, the printing means starts the printing process for the sheet following the specific number of sheets. And a control means for performing control so as to make it happen.

  According to the present invention, waste of paper and printing agent due to paper stains, image defects, jams, etc. after a recovery operation of a printing apparatus that has a relatively high possibility of printing failure is suppressed, and high-quality printed material is wasted. Can be output without any problem.

It is a figure which shows the structural example of the system containing the printing apparatus of this invention. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a control configuration of the image forming apparatus unit 101. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an internal configuration of an image forming apparatus unit 101. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration of an inspection apparatus unit 102. FIG. It is the figure which looked at the inspection apparatus part 102 and the conveyance belt 402 from the upper surface. It is a figure which shows the flow of an electrical process of the inspection apparatus part. It is a figure explaining the image comparison method in the image comparison / determination part 607. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a configuration of a finisher unit 103. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a control system of a finisher unit 103. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating processing of the image forming apparatus unit 101 according to the first exemplary embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process of the inspection apparatus part 102 of Example 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of a jam generation | occurrence | production location. It is a flowchart which shows the process of the inspection apparatus part 102 of Example 2. FIG. FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a UI processing screen according to the second embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating processing of the image forming apparatus unit 101 according to the third exemplary embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a system including a printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
In FIG. 1, reference numeral 100 denotes a printing apparatus (image forming apparatus), which includes an image forming apparatus unit 101, an inspection apparatus unit 102, and a finisher unit 103.
The image forming apparatus unit 101 processes various input data, and performs printing processing on a printing medium (sheet) such as printing paper. An inspection apparatus 102 receives a print medium that is printed and output by the image forming apparatus unit 101, inspects the output content of the print medium, and indicates the state of the print process on the print medium (whether there is a print defect in the print process). The inspection process (inspection process) for inspecting is performed. A finisher 103 performs post-processing (sorting, stapling, folding, etc.) according to a desired output form for the print medium inspected by the inspection apparatus unit 102.

The image forming apparatus unit 101 is communicably connected to an external print server 105 and client computers (client PCs) 106 and 107 via a network 104.
In the present embodiment, the printing apparatus 100 is an inline inspection machine that consistently performs printing (image formation), image inspection, and finishing.

[Configuration of Image Forming Unit]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a control configuration of the image forming apparatus unit 101.
In FIG. 2, an input image processing unit 201 reads a paper document or the like with an image reading device (scanner unit 301 (FIG. 3)), and performs image processing on the read image data. Data input from the input image processing unit 201 is input to the image forming apparatus control unit 203.

  202 includes a NIC unit and a RIP unit. The NIC unit 202 passes image data (mainly PDL data) input using the network to the RIP unit, and transmits image data and device information inside the image forming apparatus to the outside via the network. . The RIP unit 202 decodes the input PDL data and performs RIP expansion. Data input from the NIC unit and RIP unit 202 is input to the image forming apparatus control unit 203.

  The image forming apparatus control unit 203 serves to control input data and output data. The image data input to the image forming apparatus control unit 203 is temporarily stored in the memory unit 204. The image forming apparatus control unit 203 temporarily stores the image data in the memory unit 204 and calls the image data stored in the memory unit 204 as necessary.

  The output image processing unit 205 performs image processing for printing the data output from the image forming apparatus control unit 203 and sends the data to the printer unit 206. The printer unit 206 feeds a sheet (print medium) under the control of the printer control unit 208, and sequentially prints the image data generated by the output image processing unit 205 on the sheet. The sheet printed out by the printer unit 206 is sent to the inspection device unit 102.

The operation unit 207 is for selecting various functions of the image forming apparatus unit 101 and for instructing operations.
The image forming apparatus control unit 203 includes a CPU (processor) and a ROM therein, and various processes can be executed by the CPU reading and executing a program recorded in the ROM so as to be readable by a computer.

  The processing of each unit shown in FIG. 2 is realized by hardware, but a program (software) recorded in a ROM (not shown) in a computer-readable manner by a CPU (not shown) in the image forming apparatus unit 101. It may be realized by reading and executing.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing an internal configuration of the image forming apparatus unit 101.
The image forming apparatus unit 101 includes a scanner unit 301, a laser exposure unit 302, a polygon mirror (rotating polygon mirror) 307, a photosensitive drum 303, an image forming unit 304, a fixing unit 305, a paper feeding / conveying unit 306, and a printer control unit 208. (Fig. 2).

  The scanner unit 301 illuminates a document placed on a document table, optically reads a document image, converts the image into an electrical signal, and creates image data. The scanner unit 301 is provided with an automatic document feeder (ADF), which sequentially feeds documents from a bundle of documents placed on the ADF to a document table so that a plurality of documents can be read continuously. May be.

  The laser exposure unit 302 causes a light beam such as a laser beam modulated according to the image data to enter a polygon mirror 307 that rotates at a constant angular velocity, and irradiates the photosensitive drum 303 as reflected scanning light.

  The image forming unit 304 has a developing unit (developing station) for each color. In this embodiment, there are four development units of cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K). Each developing unit performs a known electrophotographic process. In the electrophotographic process, the photosensitive drum 303 is rotated and charged by a charger, and the latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 303 is developed with toner by the laser exposure unit 302 and transferred to a sheet. A series of operations for collecting the minute toner remaining on 303 is included.

  Four series of development units arranged in the order of cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K) can produce magenta, yellow, and black after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of cyan station image formation. Image operations are executed sequentially. By this timing control, a full color toner image without color misregistration is transferred onto the sheet. In this embodiment, a color printer is assumed. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In the case of a monochrome printer, only a black developing unit is mounted.

  The fixing unit 305 includes a combination of a roller and a belt, and includes a heat source such as a halogen heater, and melts and fixes the toner on the sheet onto which the toner image has been transferred by the image forming unit using heat and pressure. Although this embodiment shows an image forming apparatus using an electrophotographic process, the present invention may be an image forming apparatus using another printing method such as an ink jet method or a sublimation method.

  The sheet feeding / conveying unit 306 has one or more sheet storages represented by a sheet cassette or a paper deck, and selects one of a plurality of sheets stored in the sheet storage according to an instruction from the control unit. The sheets are separated and conveyed to the image forming unit 304 and the fixing unit 305. The sheet is conveyed, and each color toner image is transferred by the above-described developing station, and finally a full-color toner image is formed on the sheet. Further, when forming an image on both sides of the sheet, control is performed so that the sheet that has passed through the fixing unit 305 passes again through a conveyance path for conveying the sheet to the image forming unit 304.

  The printer control unit (FIG. 2) controls the laser exposure unit 302, the polygon mirror 307, the photosensitive drum 303, the image forming unit 304, the fixing unit 305, and the paper feeding / conveying unit 306. The printer control unit (FIG. 2) communicates with the image forming apparatus control unit 203 that controls the entire image forming apparatus unit 101, and executes control according to the instruction. The printer control unit (FIG. 2) manages the states of the scanner unit 301, the laser exposure unit 302, the polygon mirror 307, the photosensitive drum 303, the image forming unit 304, the fixing unit 305, and the paper feeding / conveying unit 306. However, the instruction is given so that the whole can operate smoothly in harmony.

[Internal configuration of inspection equipment]
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration of the inspection apparatus unit 102.
As shown in FIG. 4, when a sheet printed out from the image forming apparatus unit 101 (a printing medium printed by the image forming apparatus unit 101) is detected by the sensor 406, the sheet is fed by a paper feed roller 401. It is drawn into the inspection device unit 102. The sheet fed by the sheet feeding roller 401 is conveyed by the conveying belt 402. Then, the inspection sensor 403 on the conveyance belt 402 reads and determines a print image from the printing surface of the print sheet conveyed by the conveyance belt 402 (inspection whether the printing state on the sheet corresponds to a printing defect). ). That is, the presence or absence of a printing defect in the printing process by the image forming apparatus unit 101 is inspected.

  When the determination result is OK (when the inspection result is normal), the corresponding print sheet is discharged by the paper discharge roller 404. On the other hand, when the determination result is NG (when the inspection result is a printing failure), the corresponding print sheet is temporarily retracted to the stacker unit 405.

  Although not shown here, the inspection sensor 403 may be configured to be read from the lower side of the conveyor belt 402 by the inspection sensor so as to be compatible with a double-sided printed sheet. In this embodiment, NG paper (a sheet whose inspection result is a printing failure) is stored in the stacker unit 405. However, the present embodiment is not limited to this configuration.

FIG. 5 is a view of the inspection apparatus unit 102 and the conveyor belt 402 as viewed from above.
As shown in FIG. 5, the inspection sensor 403 is a line sensor that reads an image of the entire surface of the sheet 410 conveyed by the conveyance belt 402 for each line. Reference numeral 411 denotes a sheet irradiation apparatus that irradiates a sheet portion read by the inspection sensor 403.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a flow of electrical processing of the inspection device unit 102.
As illustrated in FIG. 6, the printed material scan image read by the inspection sensor 403 is converted into an electric signal and input to the pre-comparison processing unit 604 as printed material scan data. The pre-comparison processing unit 604 performs correction processing before the comparison processing such as skew correction on the printed material scan data, and transmits the data corrected before the comparison to the resolution conversion unit 2 (606).

  On the other hand, reference data serving as original data for comparison with the printed material scan data is input from the reference data input unit 601 and stored in the reference data storage unit 603. Here, the reference data is input either from the image forming apparatus unit 101, from a client PC, or directly from some importing interface mounted on the inspection apparatus unit 102. May be. The printed matter scan data corresponds to data generated by reading the print medium printed based on the reference data by the inspection sensor 403.

  The reference data stored in the reference data storage unit 603 can be compared with each other by the resolution conversion unit 1 (605), and the print scan data processed by the pre-comparison processing unit 604 can be compared with each other by the resolution conversion unit 2 (606). Converted to equivalent resolution. The converted data is sent to the image comparison / determination unit 607, respectively.

  The image comparison / determination unit 607 performs image comparison between the reference data sent from the resolution conversion unit 1 (605) and the printed material scan data sent from the resolution conversion unit 2 (606), and the print state on the sheet is determined. It is determined whether it is normal (inspection processing). In other words, the image comparison / determination unit 607 determines whether there is a printing defect on the sheet. The image determination result by the image comparison / determination unit 607 is stored in the determination result storage unit 608 and displayed by the determination result display unit 609 as necessary.

  Further, the inspection device control unit 610 performs various control processes for the entire inspection device unit 102, and the image determination result by the image comparison / determination unit 607 is formed in the image forming apparatus unit 101 via the external communication unit 611. Notify the device control unit 203. The image forming apparatus control unit 203 acquires the determination result notified from the inspection apparatus control unit 610, and controls whether to continue printing or perform NG processing depending on whether the determination result is OK or NG.

  Note that the communication between the image forming apparatus unit 101 and the inspection apparatus unit 102 takes, for example, a network system, a connection using a general-purpose interface such as USB, or a connection using a dedicated line.

  6 is realized by hardware, a CPU (not shown) in the inspection apparatus unit 102 reads and executes a program (software) recorded in a ROM (not shown) so as to be readable by a computer. It may be realized by doing so.

[Judgment method in the inspection equipment section]
In this embodiment, data obtained by scanning the reference data and the print data (printed material scan data) is converted into a desired equivalent resolution by the resolution conversion units 605 and 606, respectively, and each image data is matched with a bitmap. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, both image data are divided into a plurality of 5 × 5 blocks, and density comparison in RGB or CMYK is performed for each pixel in each block. Here, whether to perform the comparison in RGB or the comparison in CMYK can be changed according to the image. For example, in the case of color image data, the comparison in RGB is performed, and in the case of monochrome image data, the color is CMYK. The comparison in (K only) shall be performed. Note that the comparison may be performed in a color space other than RGB and CMYK.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining an image comparison method in the image comparison / determination unit 607. FIG. 7 shows an example in which image comparison is performed for each 5 × 5 block.
In FIG. 7, (1) is reference image data (first image data), and (2) represents printed matter scan data (second image data), each representing a part of a monochrome image. . The density data is multi-value data “0” to “255”.

  The image comparison / determination unit 607 calculates a comparison value for each pixel by comparison value = [scan data image density data value] − [reference image density data value], and calculates the absolute value of the calculated comparison value and an allowance described later. Compare density differences. The image comparison / determination unit 607 determines that the pixel is OK when “the absolute value of the comparison value <the allowable density difference” (when the absolute value of the comparison value does not exceed the allowable density difference). Otherwise, it is determined as NG. Note that the above-described allowable density difference is a value set in advance by a user and stored in a flash ROM or the like (not shown) set by the user from the operation unit 207 of the image forming apparatus unit 101 or a client PC, and stored in the flash ROM or the like. It may be a value.

  In the case of FIG. 7, for example, if the density difference threshold is set to “40”, the image density data value of the pixel 1201 is “255”, and the image density of the pixel 1202 is “0”, Absolute value = 0−255 = 255 ”. Therefore, since the absolute value “255” of the comparison value is larger than the density difference threshold “40”, the corresponding pixel is determined to be NG.

  In this way, the same determination process as described above is performed for each pixel in the “5 × 5” block, and an OK determination rate in units of blocks is obtained. Then, the OK determination rate for each block is compared with an OK determination threshold value described later. For example, a case where the OK determination threshold is “80%” will be described. When the number of NG pixels in the block is one pixel, the OK determination rate is “96%”. Therefore, since “determination rate (96%)> OK determination threshold (80%)”, the inspection determination is OK for the corresponding block. If the inspection determination process is performed on the entire surface of the sheet and all the blocks are OK in the entire sheet, the inspection result of the corresponding sheet is determined to be OK. The inspection result is determined as NG.

  Note that the above-described OK determination threshold value is set by the user from the operation unit 207 of the image forming apparatus unit 101 or the client PC or the like, even if it is a value set in advance at the factory and stored in a flash ROM (not shown) in the inspection apparatus unit 102. It may be a value stored in a flash ROM or the like.

[Configuration example of finisher section]
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of the configuration of the finisher unit 103.
As shown in FIG. 8, the sheet discharged from the inspection apparatus unit 102 is carried into the finisher unit 103. The finisher unit 103 includes a sample tray 501 and a stack tray 502, which are switched and discharged according to the type of job and the number of sheets to be discharged.

  Note that when the staple mode is set for the job to be output, control is performed so that the sheet is discharged onto the stack tray 502. At that time, before the sheets are discharged to the stack tray 502, the sheets are sequentially stored in the processing tray 510 in the finisher unit 103 for each job. Then, binding is performed on the processing tray 510 by the stapler 511, and then the recording sheet bundle is discharged to the stack tray 502.

  In the finisher unit 103, a Z-folder 503 for folding the paper into a Z-shape (Z-folding process) before reaching the sample tray 501 and the stack tray 502, and two (or three) files for files. A puncher 504 for punching holes is provided. The finisher unit 103 can perform Z-folding processing and punching processing using the Z-folder 503 and the puncher 504 according to the type of job.

  For example, when the operator sets a Z-folding process via the operation unit as a setting related to sheet processing for a job to be output, the finisher unit 103 uses the Z-folder 503 for the recording sheet of the job. A Z-folding process is executed. In addition, the finisher unit 103 controls to convey the Z-folded recording sheet, pass it through the apparatus, and discharge it to a discharge tray such as the stack tray 502 or the sample tray 501.

  Also, for example, when the operator has set punch processing via the operation unit as the setting relating to sheet processing for a job to be output, the finisher unit 103 uses the puncher 504 to punch the recording sheet of the job. Execute the process. Then, the finisher unit 103 controls to convey the punched recording sheet, pass it through the apparatus, and discharge it to a discharge tray such as the stack tray 502 or the sample tray 501.

  The finisher unit 103 includes a saddle stitcher 505. The saddle stitcher 505 binds the central portion of the sheet at two places, and then performs a process (bookbinding process) for half-folding the sheet by biting the central portion of the sheet with a roller to create a booklet like a pamphlet. The sheets bound by the saddle stitcher 505 are discharged to the booklet tray 508. Whether or not the sheet processing operation such as bookbinding processing by the saddle stitcher 505 can be executed is also executed by the finisher unit 103 based on the sheet processing setting set by the operator for the job to be output as described above. .

  In addition, the finisher unit 103 includes an inserter 506. The inserter 506 is for sending a sheet set on the insert tray 507 to one of a stack tray and a discharge tray such as a sample tray 501 without passing through the printer. Accordingly, a sheet set on the inserter 506 can be inserted (inserted) between sheets fed to the finisher unit 103 (sheets printed by the printer unit).

  The insert tray 507 of the inserter 506 is set face up by the operator, and is fed in order from the uppermost sheet by a pickup roller.

  Therefore, the sheet from the inserter is discharged to the stack tray 502 or the sample tray 501 as it is and discharged in a face-down state. When sending to the saddle stitcher 505, the face is aligned by sending it back to the puncher 504 and then switching it back. Whether or not a sheet processing operation such as a sheet insertion process by the inserter 506 can be executed is also executed by the finisher unit 103 based on the sheet processing setting set by the operator for the job to be output as described above. It is.

  Further, the finisher unit 103 includes a trimmer (cutting machine) 509. The trimmer 509 carries in the output that has been made into a booklet (saddle-stitched booklet) by the saddle stitcher 505. At that time, the output of the booklet is first fed by a predetermined length by the roller and cut by the cutter unit 512 by a predetermined length. As a result, the end portions that have been scattered among a plurality of pages in the booklet are neatly aligned. Then, it is stored in the booklet hold unit 513. Whether or not the sheet processing operation such as the cutting process by the trimmer 509 can be executed is also executed by the finisher unit 103 based on the sheet processing setting set by the operator for the job to be output as described above. .

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a control system of the finisher unit 103.
As shown in FIG. 9, the image forming apparatus control unit 203 in the image forming apparatus unit 101 and the finisher control unit 1001 in the finisher unit 103 are connected by a dedicated communication line. A finisher control unit 1001 receives finisher setting information corresponding to a job from the image forming apparatus unit 101, and communicates with the control units 1002 to 1007 that control each function in the finisher unit 103 based on the received setting information. I do.

  The conveyance roller drive control unit 1002 guides the sheet to various finishing units based on the job control information transmitted from the finisher control unit 1001. When it is desired to perform staple output, the finisher control unit 1001 communicates with the stapler control unit 1005, receives status information of the stapler control unit 1005, and transmits job control information to the stapler control unit 1005. The stapler control unit 1005 executes a stapler operation corresponding to the job control information on the sheet and outputs the sheet.

  In addition, the inserter feed roller control unit 1003, the Z-folder roller drive unit 1004, the booklet tray control unit 1006, and the trimmer control unit are also controlled in accordance with the job control information received from the finisher control unit 1001, and a desired output product is obtained. Is output.

  9 is realized by hardware, the CPU (not shown) in the finisher unit 103 reads a program (software) recorded in a ROM (not shown) so as to be readable by a computer. It may be realized by executing.

Hereinafter, processing when a situation requiring recovery occurs in the printing apparatus 100 will be described.
First, processing on the image forming apparatus unit 101 side will be described.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating processing of the image forming apparatus unit 101 when a situation requiring recovery occurs in the printing apparatus 100 according to the first exemplary embodiment. Note that the processing of this flowchart is executed by the image forming apparatus control unit 203.

  While the continuous job is being executed, the image forming apparatus control unit 203 determines in S701 whether recovery processing is necessary in any of the printing apparatuses 100 (whether a factor requiring recovery processing has occurred). Determine whether. The factors that require recovery processing will be described later. If it is determined that the recovery process is necessary (Yes in S701), the image forming apparatus control unit 203 interrupts the printing process, advances the process to S702, and continues the normal process in other cases.

In step S702, the image forming apparatus control unit 203 stands by until the recovery process is performed. If it is determined that the recovery process has been completed, the image forming apparatus control unit 203 advances the process to step S703.
In step S <b> 703, the image forming apparatus control unit 203 resumes the job processing after the recovery, prints one print processing for the first sheet after the recovery processing, confirms the inspection result, and then performs the next printing. Control is performed so that the intermittent printing inspection process is performed. In other words, when the printing process is resumed after the interruption of the printing process for the recovery process, the image forming apparatus control unit 203 prints the first sheet after the recovery process and outputs it to the inspection apparatus unit 102. Then, it waits for a return of the inspection determination result from the inspection apparatus unit 102. The inspection apparatus unit 102 performs inspection determination processing on the first sheet after recovery output from the image forming apparatus unit 101, and notifies the image forming apparatus control unit 203 of the processing result (print processing state). .
Note that the first sheet printed in step S703 may be printed from the middle of the job that has been suspended until the recovery process is performed, or may be printed again from the beginning. Specifically, it is assumed that a job for printing 10 sheets is interrupted due to a jam or the like during the printing of the fifth sheet, and the recovery process is performed. At this time, in step S703, the fifth printing may be the printing process after the recovery process, or the first printing may be performed again to perform the printing process after the recovery process.

In step S704, the image forming apparatus control unit 203 receives (acquires) the inspection determination result from the inspection apparatus unit 102. In step S705, the image forming apparatus control unit 203 determines the received determination result.
If it is determined that the inspection determination result is NG (printing failure) (No in S705), the image forming apparatus control unit 203 shifts the processing to NG processing. Although NG processing in the image forming apparatus unit 101 will not be described in detail, for example, a sheet whose inspection determination result is determined to be NG (printing failure) is reprinted.
On the other hand, when it is determined that the inspection determination result is OK (no printing failure) (Yes in S705), the image forming apparatus control unit 203 advances the process to S706.

  In step S <b> 706, the image forming apparatus control unit 203 determines whether there are a plurality of jobs to be printed after the recovery. Then, control is performed to perform the printing process, and the process is terminated. That is, when the image forming apparatus control unit 203 performs the printing process for one sheet after the recovery process by the intermittent print inspection process and confirms that the inspection result of the first sheet is not a printing defect, the second sheet The subsequent printing processing is controlled to be performed by continuous printing processing.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the number of printed sheets of the recovered job is not plural (No in S707), the process is terminated as it is.

Hereinafter, processing on the inspection apparatus unit 102 side will be described.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating processing of the inspection apparatus unit 102 according to the first embodiment. In addition, the process of this flowchart shall be performed by the inspection apparatus control part 610. FIG.
First, the inspection apparatus control unit 610 waits until a job (including reference data) is received in the reference data input unit 601. If it is determined that the job has been received, the inspection apparatus control unit 610 advances the process to S709. The job is received either from the image forming apparatus unit 101 via the network, from a client PC, or directly from any importing interface installed in the inspection apparatus unit 102. It may be.

  In step S <b> 709, the inspection apparatus control unit 610 waits until a sheet is sent from the image forming apparatus unit 101 (detected by the sensor 406). If it is determined that the sheet has been sent out (Yes in S709), the inspection apparatus control unit 610 performs inspection processing on the image on the sheet sent from the image forming apparatus unit 101 in S710. In the inspection process, first, the inspection sensor 403 reads a sheet and generates printed matter scan data. Next, the printed product scan data is processed by the pre-comparison processing unit 604, and the resolution is converted by the resolution conversion unit 2 (606). Also, the resolution conversion of the reference data is performed by the resolution conversion unit 1 (605). Then, the image comparison / determination unit 607 compares and determines the reference data and the printed material scan data whose resolution has been changed, and obtains an inspection result.

In step S711, the inspection apparatus control unit 610 notifies the image forming apparatus unit 101 of the inspection result in step S710, and the process proceeds to step S712.
In S712, the inspection apparatus control unit 610 determines whether the inspection result (inspection determination result) in S710 is OK. If the inspection result is determined to be NG (No in S712), the inspection apparatus control unit 610 shifts the process to NG processing. Although the NG process in the inspection apparatus unit 102 is not described in detail, for example, control is performed so that the inspection process for the remaining sheets is not performed even during the process of the received job.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the inspection result is OK (Yes in S712), the inspection apparatus control unit 610 advances the process to S713.
In step S713, the inspection apparatus control unit 610 determines whether the job has been completed. If it is determined that the job has not ended yet (No in S713), the process returns to S709, the next sheet sent from the image forming apparatus unit 101 is fetched, and the processes in S709 to S713 are performed until the job is completed. Control to repeat.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the job has been completed (Yes in S713), the inspection apparatus control unit 610 ends the process of this flowchart.

[Factors that require recovery processing]
Various factors such as out-of-feed sheets, sheet jam (conveyance failure), and toner replacement (printing agent replacement) can be considered as factors that require recovery processing. There is no need to execute the intermittent printing inspection process (S703 to S705 in FIG. 10). It may be configured such that the image forming apparatus control unit 203 determines whether to perform the intermittent print inspection process for which recovery factor, according to the setting (factor setting) by the user or the recovery factor.

  For example, there are jams in the image forming apparatus unit 101, jams in the inspection apparatus unit 102, jams in the finisher unit 103, and other jams as recovery factors. Whether or not the printing process for a specific number of sheets (one sheet in this embodiment) after recovery as in the present embodiment is performed in the intermittent print inspection process is determined by the image forming apparatus control unit 203 according to the recovery factor occurrence location. It may be determined. Hereinafter, a description will be given with reference to FIG.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a jam occurrence location.
In FIG. 12, reference numeral 1301 denotes a conveyance unit of the paper feed system. For example, when there is a sheet only in this portion at the time of jamming, there is little possibility of toner scattering by the developing unit, so intermittent printing after recovery is performed. Setting is considered to be less necessary.

  Reference numeral 1302 denotes a conveyance unit of the development system (image forming unit 304). When a sheet is present in the sheet conveyance path after 1302 and 1302 when a jam occurs, the developer such as toner is scattered. Therefore, intermittent printing is effective.

Further, even if it is other than a jam, there is little cause for the inspection result of the output image to be NG especially when the sheet is out of paper, so the necessity for setting the intermittent printing inspection is low. On the other hand, in the case of running out of toner, the intermittent printing inspection process is effective because the density of the first sheet after toner replenishment (after printing agent replacement) is higher than normal. . Therefore, for example, when a jam occurs, at least one of a state where a sheet is present in the image forming unit 304 (that is, in the printing apparatus) and a state where the toner runs out (a state where the amount of toner is exhausted) needs to be recovered. As a factor. Then, after the recovery process due to this specific factor, after waiting for the determination result in the inspection apparatus (intermittent printing inspection process) in a state where one sheet is output, two sheets are detected after the inspection determination result is determined to be OK. Control to start continuous print processing for the first and subsequent jobs. It should be noted that after the recovery process due to other than the specific factors described above, the continuous printing process may be started as it is.
For example, the image forming apparatus control unit 203 suspends the printing process when a factor designated by the user occurs, and performs the processes of S703 to S707 in FIG. 10 when the suspended printing process is resumed. The structure to control may be sufficient.

In this embodiment, when the printing process for one sheet after the recovery process (due to a specific factor) is performed in the intermittent printing inspection process, and it is confirmed that the inspection result of the first sheet is not a printing defect, A configuration is shown in which the printing processing for the second and subsequent sheets is performed by continuous printing processing. However, if the print processing for two or more specific sheets after the recovery process is performed by intermittent print inspection processing, and it is confirmed that all the inspection results for the specific number of sheets are not defective, printing after the specific number of sheets is performed. The processing may be performed by continuous printing processing. In the above intermittent printing inspection process, the next printing is started after checking the inspection result for each sheet. In the above continuous printing process, the next printing is started without checking the inspection result for each sheet. It shall be.
In other words, when a recovery factor occurs, the image forming apparatus control unit 203 interrupts the printing process and performs the recovery process. Then, when the printing process is resumed after the interruption of the printing process, the image forming apparatus control unit 203 executes the printing process for the specific number of sheets, and the result of the inspection process for the specific number of sheets is the inspection apparatus unit. 102. Then, the image forming apparatus control unit 203 confirms that the result of the printing process for the specific number of sheets does not indicate a printing failure, and starts the printing process for the sheet following the specific number of sheets. The structure to control may be sufficient.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, at the time of the recovery operation of a continuous job (due to a specific factor), the inspection result in the inspection apparatus is first waited in a state where one sheet (specific number of sheets) is printed and output, and the inspection result is OK. After the determination is made, processing for starting the second and subsequent jobs (specific number of sheets) is performed. As a result, even after a recovery operation with a relatively high possibility of inspection NG (printing failure), it is possible to suppress waste of paper and printing agent due to paper stains, image defects, jams, etc. due to printing agent. High-quality printed matter can be output without waste.

  In the second embodiment, in order to take care of the output immediately after the recovery, the inspection determination rate of the inspection apparatus unit 102 is normally set in the inspection determination of a specific number of sheets (for example, one sheet) after the recovery process (due to a specific factor). The inspection determination is performed with a value that is stricter than the inspection determination rate.

Note that the processing of the image forming apparatus unit 101 when recovery occurs in the second embodiment is the same as that in FIG.
Hereinafter, processing on the inspection apparatus unit 102 side in the second embodiment will be described.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating processing of the inspection apparatus unit 102 according to the second embodiment. In addition, the process of this flowchart shall be performed by the inspection apparatus control part 610. FIG.
First, the inspection apparatus control unit 610 waits until a job (including reference data) is received in the reference data input unit 601. If it is determined that a job has been received (Yes in S801), the inspection apparatus control unit 610 advances the process to S802.

  In step S802, the inspection apparatus control unit 610 determines whether the job received in step S801 is a job after recovery processing. If it is determined that the job has been recovered (Yes in S802), the inspection apparatus control unit 610 advances the process to S803.

  In step S803, the inspection apparatus control unit 610 changes the determination threshold (at least one of the density difference threshold and the OK determination threshold) so that the inspection determination rate becomes more severe. For example, the normal threshold (first density difference threshold, first OK determination threshold) is changed to a threshold for post-recovery processing (second density difference threshold, second OK determination threshold), and the process proceeds to S804. The normal threshold (first density difference threshold, first OK determination threshold) and the threshold for recovery processing (second density difference threshold, second OK determination threshold) are stored in a flash ROM or the like in the inspection device unit 102. It shall be. In addition, the normal threshold (first density difference threshold, first OK determination threshold) and the threshold for recovery processing (second density difference threshold, second OK determination threshold) may be those set in advance in a factory or the like. It may be set by the user from 207 or a client PC.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the job is not the job after the recovery process (No in S802), the inspection apparatus control unit 610 advances the process to S804 as it is. Only when it is determined that the job is after the recovery process due to the specific factor described above, the process proceeds to S803, and when it is determined that the job is after the recovery process other than the specific factor, the process proceeds to S804 as it is. May be configured to proceed.

  In step S804, the inspection apparatus control unit 610 waits until a sheet is sent from the image forming apparatus unit 101 (detected by the sensor 406). If it is determined that the sheet has been sent out (Yes in S804), the inspection apparatus control unit 610 performs an inspection process on the image on the sheet sent from the image forming apparatus unit 101 in S805. In the inspection process, first, the inspection sensor 403 reads a sheet and generates printed matter scan data. Next, the printed product scan data is processed by the pre-comparison processing unit 604, and the resolution is converted by the resolution conversion unit 2 (606). Also, the resolution conversion of the reference data is performed by the resolution conversion unit 1 (605). Then, the image comparison / determination unit 607 compares and determines the reference data and the printed material scan data whose resolution has been changed, and obtains an inspection result. In other words, in this embodiment, the inspection apparatus control unit 610 performs inspection processing for a specific number of sheets (here, one sheet) after the recovery processing (due to a specific factor) at an inspection processing level (first) before the recovery processing. Control is performed so as to be performed at a higher level (second level). That is, the inspection apparatus control unit 610 uses the reference value for determining the state of the printing process for the specific number of sheets after the restart of the printing process after recovery as the state of the printing process before the printing process is interrupted (before the restarting). It is different from the reference value for judging.

  In the present embodiment, the first sheet after recovery (due to a specific factor) is determined more strictly than the normal inspection determination threshold, and therefore processing when the inspection result is NG. In this case, the operator is allowed to determine whether it is within the allowable range. Here, processing when the first inspection after recovery is determined to be NG will be described.

  If the first inspection inspection after the recovery results in NG, the inspection apparatus control unit 610 displays the UI processing screen (FIG. 14A) on the operation unit 207 of the image forming apparatus unit 101. An instruction is given to the forming apparatus control unit 203 and a response from the image forming apparatus control unit 203 is waited. That is, the inspection device control unit 610 displays the location of the printing failure when the inspection result of the inspection processing for the specific number of sheets (here, one sheet) after the recovery processing is a printing failure, and the inspection result Is controlled so that the user can select whether or not to be a printing failure or not.

FIG. 14A is a diagram illustrating an example of a UI processing screen displayed on the operation unit 207 of the image forming apparatus unit 101 when the inspection determination is NG in the second embodiment.
In FIG. 14A, reference numeral 901 denotes a determination result, which indicates that the inspection determination result is determined to be NG.
Reference numeral 902 denotes a thumbnail display of the entire image on the sheet that has become NG. Reference numeral 903 denotes an NG location display that limits the relevant location (location determined to be a printing failure, for example, a block determined to be NG) to be displayed in almost full size.

  In the NG location display 903, there is a stain on the sheet as indicated by 904, which indicates that this portion is NG. On this UI processing screen, the operator presses the OK button 905 or the NG button 906 on the touch panel, and processing is executed based on the obtained result.

When the image forming apparatus control unit 203 detects that the OK button 905 or the NG button 906 is pressed by the user, the image forming apparatus control unit 203 notifies the inspection apparatus control unit 610 to that effect.
For example, when the inspection device control unit 610 receives notification from the image forming device control unit 203 that the OK button 905 has been pressed, the inspection device control unit 610 determines that the inspection result is OK and proceeds to S806.

  On the other hand, when the inspection apparatus control unit 610 receives a notification from the image forming apparatus control unit 203 that the NG button 906 has been pressed, the inspection apparatus control unit 610 determines that the inspection result is NG and proceeds to S806.

  In the case where the first inspection inspection after recovery results in OK or the inspection determination for the second post-recovery transfer, the inspection apparatus control unit 610 displays the above-described UI processing screen (FIG. 14A). ) Control is performed so that the process proceeds to S806 without giving a display instruction.

In step S806, the inspection apparatus control unit 610 notifies the image forming apparatus unit 101 of the inspection result in step S805, and advances the process to step S807.
In S807, the inspection apparatus control unit 610 changes the above-described inspection determination threshold value changed in S803 from a threshold value for recovery processing (second concentration difference threshold value, second OK determination threshold value) to a normal threshold value (first concentration difference value). Threshold value, first OK determination threshold value), and the process proceeds to S808. That is, the inspection apparatus control unit 610 performs control so that the inspection process after the specific number of sheets (here, the second and subsequent sheets) is performed at the inspection process level (first level) before the recovery process. Although not shown, the processing of S807 is configured to be executed only when the inspection determination threshold is changed in S803.

  In S808, the inspection apparatus control unit 610 determines whether the inspection result (inspection determination result) in S805 is OK. When it is determined that the inspection result is NG (printing failure) (No in S808), the inspection apparatus control unit 610 shifts the processing to NG processing. Although the NG process in the inspection apparatus unit 102 is not described in detail, for example, control is performed so that the inspection process for the remaining sheets is not performed even during the process of the received job.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the inspection result is OK (no printing failure) (Yes in S808), the inspection apparatus control unit 610 advances the process to S809.
In step S809, the inspection apparatus control unit 610 determines whether the job has been completed. If it is determined that the job has not yet ended (No in S809), the process returns to S804, the next sheet sent from the image forming apparatus unit 101 is fetched, and the processes in S804 to 809 until the job is completed. Control to repeat.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the job has been completed (Yes in S809), the inspection apparatus control unit 610 ends the process of this flowchart.
In the present embodiment, in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment, the inspection determination threshold value is set to be stricter than the normal inspection determination threshold value when the first sheet is output after recovery of a continuous job (after recovery processing). The output of the first sheet after continuous job recovery is more strictly inspected. As a result, it is possible to more reliably suppress waste of the print medium at the time of failure output (print medium is contaminated with the printing agent) by continuously outputting the output after recovery with a high possibility of failure output. it can.

  Further, even if the threshold value for after the recovery process is determined to be NG, the operator can confirm the degree by himself / herself. Here, the determination threshold value (at least one of the density difference threshold value and the OK determination threshold value) is changed, but the resolution of the reference image data and the printed material scan data is changed to a finer resolution, and the image comparison / determination unit An image comparison determination by 607 may be performed. Further, the determination threshold value may be changed together with the resolution change.

  The above-described resolution change is performed by changing the reading resolution by the inspection sensor 403, changing the conversion resolution by the resolution conversion unit 2 (606), changing the conversion resolution by the resolution conversion unit 1 (605), and the like.

  It is necessary to make the inspection judgment speed follow the printing speed during the continuous printing process, but since the intermittent printing inspection process is performed after the recovery, the inspection process after the recovery (due to a specific factor) takes a processing time. The inspection process with higher accuracy can be performed.

Note that the processing for displaying the UI processing screen (FIG. 14A) and prompting the user when the threshold value for recovery processing is determined to be NG is executed or not executed depending on the user setting. You may control.
FIG. 14A described above is a UI processing screen displayed when the inspection result after the recovery processing is NG. On the other hand, FIG. 14B is an example of a UI process screen displayed when the inspection result after the recovery process is OK.
An image 907 displays an image of a sheet whose inspection result is OK after the recovery process. By confirming this, the user can grasp on which sheet the inspection process after the recovery process has been performed. In addition, when the inspection process after the recovery process is performed in the middle of the job, the image (image 908) of the sheet that has been inspected immediately before the recovery process is used as the image (image 907) of the sheet that has been inspected after the recovery process. By displaying together with this, the user can grasp that printing has been performed in the correct order after the recovery process without confirming the printed matter. In the example of FIG. 14B, inspection has been completed up to the third page, a recovery factor (such as a jam) has occurred on the fourth page, printing has been interrupted, and the fourth page has been printed after recovery and inspection has been completed. Is displayed. By confirming this display, the user knows that the printing has been performed in the correct order after the recovery process (that is, that 4 pages have been printed correctly after 3 pages) without confirming the printed matter. Can do.
Furthermore, the second and subsequent printing may be started on the condition that the OK button 909 is pressed by the user who has confirmed the inspection after the recovery process.

  The case where the UI processing screen (FIG. 14) is displayed on the operation unit 207 has been described. However, when the job is transmitted from the client PC, the UI processing screen (FIG. 14) may be displayed on the display unit of the client PC. In this case, when the client PC detects that the OK button 905 or the NG button 906 is pressed by the user, the client PC notifies the inspection apparatus control unit 610 to that effect.

  In the first and second embodiments, the configuration in which the continuous print process is started for the subsequent pages when the first output inspection result after the recovery process is OK. However, the continuous print processing may be started for the subsequent pages when the output inspection result for a plurality of sheets after the recovery processing is OK. That is, when it is determined that a predetermined factor such as a factor that requires recovery processing has occurred, the printing process is interrupted, and the printing process for a specific number of sheets after the interruption is performed in the state of the printing process of the predetermined page It may be configured to control to start a printing process for a page subsequent to the predetermined page in response to the inspection device unit 102 inspecting that there is no printing failure.

  As described above, the inspection apparatus unit 102 according to the present embodiment performs the inspection process for the specific number of sheets (in the present embodiment, one sheet) after the recovery process (due to specific factors) at the inspection process level before the recovery process. It is performed at a level (second level) higher than (first level). As a result, more rigorous inspection can be performed immediately after a recovery operation with a relatively high possibility of inspection NG (printing failure).

  Further, the inspection device unit 102 performs inspection processing after a specific number of sheets (second and subsequent sheets in this embodiment) at the inspection processing level (first level) before the recovery processing. As a result, after a specific number of sheets (second and subsequent sheets in the present embodiment) with a relatively low possibility of inspection NG (printing failure), the normal inspection process is restored to suppress a decrease in throughput due to inspection. it can.

  Further, when the inspection result of the inspection process for the specific number of sheets after the recovery process (one sheet in this embodiment) indicates a printing defect, the inspection apparatus unit 102 displays the portion determined to be a printing defect. Thus, the user selects whether the inspection result should be a printing failure or not. As a result, it is possible for the user to inspect only a portion having a high possibility of printing failure, and both efficiency and accuracy of inspection can be achieved.

  Embodiments 1 and 2 show a configuration in which continuous print processing is started for subsequent pages when the output inspection result of a specific number (for example, one) after recovery processing is OK (due to a specific factor). It was. The third embodiment is configured so that the user can variably set the inspection processing number after the recovery processing. Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described in detail.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating processing of the image forming apparatus unit 101 when a situation requiring recovery occurs in the printing apparatus 100 according to the third embodiment. Note that the processing of this flowchart is executed by the image forming apparatus control unit 203.

  During the execution of the continuous job, the image forming apparatus control unit 203 determines in step S1101 whether recovery processing is necessary in any of the printing apparatuses 100. If it is determined that the recovery process is necessary (Yes in S1101), the image forming apparatus control unit 203 advances the process to S1102, and continues the normal process in other cases.

  In step S1102, the image forming apparatus control unit 203 waits until the recovery process is performed. When it is determined that the recovery process has ended (Yes in step S1102), the process proceeds to step S1103.

  In step S <b> 1103, the image forming apparatus control unit 203 sets the required number of checks after recovery to the variable N, restarts processing of the job after recovery, and advances the processing to step S <b> 1104. Note that the required number of checks after recovery described above is preset by the user from the operation unit 207 of the image forming apparatus unit 101 or a specific number setting screen of the client PC or the like and stored in a flash ROM or the like in the image forming apparatus unit 101. It shall be. Further, at the timing of S1103, the operation unit 207 of the image forming apparatus unit 101 displays the above-described specific number setting screen for user input of the check required number after recovery, and the value input on the screen is changed to the value after the recovery. The required number of checks may be set in the variable N. When the job start instruction is issued from the operation unit 207, the above screen is displayed on the operation unit 207. When the job start instruction is issued from the client PC, the above screen is displayed. You may make it display on the display part of client PC.

  In step S <b> 1104, the image forming apparatus control unit 203 performs the printing process for the first sheet after the recovery process in the intermittent printing inspection process in which one sheet is printed and the inspection result is confirmed and then the next printing is performed. Control. That is, the image forming apparatus control unit 203 prints and outputs the first sheet after the recovery process to the inspection apparatus unit 102, and waits for a return of the inspection determination result from the inspection apparatus unit 102. The inspection apparatus unit 102 performs inspection determination processing on the first sheet after recovery output from the image forming apparatus unit 101, and returns the processing result to the image forming apparatus control unit 203.

In step S1105, the image forming apparatus control unit 203 subtracts the variable N by one sheet output in step S1104 (N = N−1).
In step S1106, the image forming apparatus control unit 203 receives the inspection determination result from the inspection apparatus unit 102. In step S1107, the image forming apparatus control unit 203 determines the received determination result.
If the inspection determination result is NG (No in S1107), the image forming apparatus control unit 203 shifts the processing to NG processing. Although NG processing in the image forming apparatus unit 101 will not be described in detail, for example, a sheet whose inspection determination result is determined to be NG (printing failure) is reprinted.
On the other hand, if it is determined that the inspection determination result is OK (Yes in S1107), the image forming apparatus control unit 203 advances the process to S1108.
In S1108, the image forming apparatus control unit 203 determines whether or not the variable N has become “0” (N = 0), and determines that the variable N has not yet become “0” (S1108). No), S1104 to S1107 are repeatedly executed until the variable N becomes “0”.

  When the variable N becomes “0” (N = 0) (Yes in S1108), the image forming apparatus control unit 203 shifts the process to S1109 and completes the intermittent printing after the recovery without any problem. After the determination, control is performed so that the subsequent processing shifts to normal continuous printing.

  In this embodiment, after the recovery process due to the specific factor, the intermittent print inspection process for the specific number of sheets is performed, and the continuous print process for the job after the specific number of sheets is started. May be controlled to start the continuous printing process as it is.

  As described above, in this embodiment, since the user can change and set the required number of checks after recovery during a recovery operation (due to a specific factor) for continuous jobs, it is possible to perform more flexible inspection processing after the recovery processing. Become.

It should be noted that the configuration and contents of the various data described above are not limited to this, and it goes without saying that the various data and configurations are configured according to the application and purpose.
Although one embodiment has been described above, the present invention can take an embodiment as, for example, a system, apparatus, method, program, or storage medium. Specifically, the present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices, or may be applied to an apparatus composed of a single device.
Moreover, all the structures which combined said each Example are also contained in this invention.

(Other examples)
The present invention can also be realized by executing the following processing. That is, software (program) that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus via a network or various storage media, and a computer (or CPU, MPU, or the like) of the system or apparatus reads the program. It is a process to be executed.
Further, the present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of a single device.
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications (including organic combinations of the embodiments) are possible based on the spirit of the present invention, and these are excluded from the scope of the present invention. is not. That is, the present invention includes all the combinations of the above-described embodiments and modifications thereof.

  As described above, in a printing apparatus equipped with an inspection function that guarantees the quality of printed matter, there is a relatively high possibility of printing failure. Even immediately after performing a recovery operation, paper stains, image defects, jams, etc. due to printing agents etc. It is possible to suppress waste of paper and printing agent due to the like. And it becomes possible to output a high-quality printed matter without waste.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Printing apparatus 101 Image forming apparatus part 102 Inspection apparatus part 103 Finisher part

Claims (19)

Printing means for executing a printing process on the sheet based on the first image data;
The second image data generated by reading the sheet on which the printing process has been executed is compared with the first image data, thereby obtaining a result of an inspection process for inspecting whether there is a printing defect in the printing process. Acquisition means to
When the printing process is resumed after the interruption of the printing process, after the printing unit executes the printing process for the specific number of sheets, the result of the inspection process for the specific number of sheets indicates that no printing failure is indicated. Control means for controlling the printing means to start printing processing for the sheet following the specific number of sheets after checking;
A printing apparatus comprising:   The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a result of the inspection process is acquired from an inspection apparatus connected to the printing apparatus.   The printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a reading unit configured to read the sheet on which the printing process has been performed and generate the second image data.   The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the specific number is one.   The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the specific number can be set by a user.   6. The inspection reference value used in the inspection process after resuming the printing process is different from the inspection reference value used in the inspection process before resuming the printing process. The printing apparatus as described in.   The printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising display means for displaying a result of the inspection process. Further comprising a designation means by which a user designates a factor that interrupts the printing process;
When the printing process interrupted by the factor designated by the designation means is resumed, the control means causes the printing means to execute a printing process for a specific number of sheets, and then performs an inspection process for the specific number of sheets. 8. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein after confirming that the result does not indicate a printing failure, the printing unit is controlled to start a printing process for a sheet subsequent to the specific number of sheets. The printing apparatus according to item 1.   The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing process is interrupted due to any one of sheet cutting, sheet jamming, and printing agent replacement. A printing step in which the printing unit executes a printing process on the sheet based on the first image data;
An obtaining step for obtaining a result of an inspection process using the second image data generated by reading the sheet on which the printing process has been performed and the first image data;
When the control unit resumes the printing process after the printing process is interrupted, the control unit causes the printing unit to execute the printing process for the specific number of sheets, and the inspection process result for the specific number of sheets indicates a printing failure. A control step for controlling the printing means to start a printing process for the sheet following the specific number of sheets,
A control method for a printing apparatus, comprising:   The method of controlling a printing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein a result of the inspection process is acquired from an inspection apparatus connected to the printing apparatus.   12. The method of controlling a printing apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising a reading step in which a reading unit reads the sheet on which the printing process has been executed to generate the second image data.   The method for controlling a printing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the specific number is one.   The method for controlling a printing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the specific number can be set by a user.   15. The inspection reference value used in the inspection process after restarting the printing process is different from the inspection reference value used in the inspection process before restarting the printing process. A control method for a printing apparatus according to claim 1.   The method for controlling a printing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the display unit further includes a display step of displaying a result of the inspection process. The designation means further comprises a designation step for causing the user to designate a factor that interrupts the printing process;
In the control step, when the printing process interrupted by the factor specified in the specifying step is resumed, the printing unit is caused to execute the printing process for the specific number of sheets, and then the inspection process for the specific number of sheets is performed. 17. The method according to claim 10, wherein after confirming that the result does not indicate a printing failure, the printing unit is controlled to start printing processing for a sheet subsequent to the specific number of sheets. 2. A method for controlling a printing apparatus according to item 1.   18. The printing apparatus control method according to claim 10, wherein the printing process is interrupted due to any one of sheet cutting, sheet jamming, and printing agent replacement.   A program for causing a computer to execute the control method for a printing apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 18.

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